NSW Waratah Sitaleki Timani has been ruled out of Friday night’s Super Rugby clash with Melbourne at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Timani suffered a corked thigh in the Waratahs’ 25-17 loss to Queensland last weekend.

Wallabies giant Timani was originally named on the bench for the match against the Rebels, but coach Michael Cheika confirmed on Thursday he was out.

“He just wasn’t right and it’s only early in the season so Greg Peterson will take his place on the bench,” he said.